T HE CROSS+ROADS F ROM FATHER GEORGE V ICTORY S TEWARDSHIP MINISTRY. Hi-Lites Holy Pascha April 24 Palm Sunday April 17 Greek Independence

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1 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Volume 12, Issue #3 April 2011 T HE CROSS+ROADS INSIDE THIS ISSUE: April Sundays 2-7 Through the Bible A-Z Missions Ministry Registry / Announcements SCH Clubs & Community Youth Corner AHEPA District Convention Parish Council Minutes March Calendar 15 Hi-Lites Holy Pascha April 24 Palm Sunday April 17 Greek Independence Day Page 8 GOYA Lenten Retreat Page 10 Missions Ministry Weed & Seed, May 7 AHEPA District Convention May F ROM FATHER GEORGE V ICTORY S TEWARDSHIP MINISTRY During the March 6th Parish General Assembly I shocked a few people while presenting the Stewardship Report by abruptly announcing I would be resigning as chair of the Stewardship Committee and presented a motion that the Parish By-laws be changed to abolish the Stewardship Committee as a standing committee and in its place we form a new ministry, that being Stewardship Ministry. This was not meant to be a cosmetic name change much like the popular marketing ploy to repackage a product as new and improved. I felt then, and even more today, that if we are to move forward with our Stewardship program we must first recognize that Stewardship is a ministry and be treated as such, and not run and viewed like a businesslike committee focused strictly on money. During that same General Assembly I also asked to be given the honor to lead this new ministry as we move it forward in our community. I asked to lead this ministry not as an appointed position, but as a calling to teach and develop our faithful as we fully embrace stewardship. As we build our Stewardship Ministry team, we will look for those members of our community who have a similar calling to serve and who have spiritual gifts and skills to enhance the ministry. The Stewardship Ministry team will develop a plan and will look Anyone who has played a sport will have as the ultimate result that being to win. Athletes spend quite a bit of time practicing and being instructed by their coaches as to how to play well and eventually win. We will all celebrate a victory in just a few weeks. Christ s victory which begins in the depths of Hades will reach the ultimate level in His rising from the grave on the third day. This victory, this triumph was sealed with His victorious resurrection from the dead. By rising from the dead, Christ raises all of humanity to His side and making all of us heirs to His Holy Kingdom. We must remember that the resurrection of Christ should not be viewed with the perspective of being an event that occurred in history. The reality of the Resurrection should penetrate the entire life and body of the Church. Every Sunday is a resurrection as we hear the resurrectional hymns chanted by the choirs and the chanters and by receiving Holy Communion, with the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ through prayer and fasting we share in the victory over death and the opportunity in being in union with Christ. As we will proclaim the Resurrection with lit candles, may we joyously proclaim to the world that Christ is Risen from the dead, by death trampling upon death, and bestowing life to those in the tombs. to accomplish some specific actions this year, these include: Carrying our stewardship message to the various organizations of the community to continue the lessons and dialogue we started last year. I had the privilege to meet with the Parish Council, Choir, Philoptochos, and AHEPA / Daughters of Penelope, and would like to continue that exchange with those same organizations, as well as others. We will develop and implement a visitation program to meet with individuals and groups to help spread the word on the great things going on in our community. I ve struggled with getting my arms around a visitation program for some time, and was welcomed to receive offers of help in developing the program from several members of the community. We will begin developing this program in the next few months and refining it over the Summer, and visitations will begin in October, with a goal to personally hand every member their 2012 Stewardship Commitment Form in time for them time to reflect on their gifts before Stewardship Commitment Sunday, tentatively scheduled for November 13th or 20th. Some of you will be asked to commit your time and talents to serve in (Continued on page 12)

2 The Cross+Roads Page 2 Glory Be To God Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Phone (757) Fax (757) Addresses: priest@ office@ parishcouncil@ youthdirector@ webmaster@ admin@ schgochurch.va.goarch.org yourparishcouncil@hotmail.com Office Hours Monday Through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Priest Father George Chioros Work Home Mobile frgchioros@aol.com Parish Council John Dermanis, President Theo Galoozis, Vice Pres. Michael Chalkias, Treasurer Bobby Vidakis, Assoc. Treas. Kent Paumier, Secretary John Christou Bobby Garofalis Jason Holbrook John Malliarakis Peter Sun Anastasia Theodorogiannis Chanter John Siokis Choir Director Renee Root Youth Director Christina Thames Office Secretary Tasia Savrides Archdiocese on the web A PRIL SUNDAYS P ARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos Tessie Baker, President Religious Education Monica Hicks, Director Greek School Paula Tofali, Matina Mimikos, Teachers Youth Ministry Christina Thames, Director Acolytes Barry Hendricks, Director JOY/HOPE Helen Micha, Director Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) Allie Galoozis, President Kent Paumier, Advisor Apolytikion of the Church He beheld the image of Your Cross in the Heavens and, as Paul, he too did not receive the call from men. Your Apostle among Kings placed the care of the Royal City in Your hands. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Loving Lord, keep it ever in peace. APRIL 3 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20 BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. GOSPEL READING Mark 9:17-31 Sunday of St. John Climacus At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, (Continued on page 3) Young Adult League (YAL) Anastasia Theodorogiannis, President Golden Hearts Zoe Marcopoulos, President Order of AHEPA Newport News Gary Nichols, President Williamsburg Mario Kokolis, President Daughters of Penelope Zoe Lumpkin, President Hellenic Womens Penelope Society Zena Mageras, President Hellenic Youth Dancers Anastasia Theodorogiannis & Bobby Garofalis Co-Directors

3 The Cross+Roads Page 3 saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday of St. John Climacus - The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Nikitas the Confessor Saint Nikitas lived in the eighth century and became the Abbot of the Monastery of Medicium, which was near the city of Triglia on the Sea of Marmara. For his Orthodox confession of the veneration of the holy icons, he was persecuted and exiled twice by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian, but recalled by Michael the Stutterer, and reposed, adorned with the twofold crown of holiness and of confession of the Orthodox Faith, about the year 824. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved. Joseph the Hymnographer Saint Joseph was from Sicily, the son of Plotinus and Agatha. Because Sicily had been subjugated by the Moslems, he departed thence and, passing from place to place, came with Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see NOV. 20) to Constantinople, where he endured bitter afflictions because of his pious zeal. Travelling to Rome, he was captured by Arab pirates and taken to Crete, whence he later returned to Constantinople. He became an excellent hymnographer and reposed in holiness shortly after 886 (according to some, it was in 883). The melismatic canons of the Menaion are primarily the work of this Joseph; they bear his name in the acrostic of the Ninth Ode. He also composed most of the sacred book known as the Paracletike, which complements the Octoechos For this reason, Joseph is called par excellence the Hymnographer. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved. Theodosia and Irene the Martyrs APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Fourth Tone The women disciples of the Lord heard from the angel, the joyful news of the Resurrection and the repeal of the sentence imposed upon our forefathers. With pride they said to the Apostles, "Death is vanquished, Christ our God is risen bestowing upon the world His great mercy." - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Τό φαιδρόν τής Αναστάσεως κήρυγμα, τού Αγγέλου μαθούσαι αι τού Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καί τήν προγονικήν απόφασιν απορρίψασαι, τοίς Αποστόλοις καυχώμεναι έλεγον, Εσκύλευται ο θάνατος, ηγέρθη Χριστός ο Θεός, δωρούμενος τώ κόσμω τό μέγα έλεος. Apolytikion for Sunday of St. John Climacus With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Kontakion To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting?... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous;... St. John Chrysostom, Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356, 4th Century APRIL 10 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14 BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. GOSPEL READING Mark 10:32-45 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to (Continued on page 4)

4 The Cross+Roads Page 4 A PRIL SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN (Continued from page 3) him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Terence & his Companions beheaded at Carthage These Saints were from Africa, and they all contested during the reign of Decius, in 251. After many torments, they were beheaded at the command of Fortunatus the Governor. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved. Gregory V, the Holy Martyr & Patriarch of Constantinople Holy Father Theona, Archbishop of Thessolonica APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal of the First Tone O Faithful, let us sing a hymn of praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, who was born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of His own will He went upon the Cross in the flesh and suffered death, to raise the dead through His glorious Resurrection. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Τόν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρί καί Πνεύματι, τόν εκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εις σωτηρίαν ημών, ανυμνήσωμεν πιστοί καί προσκυνήσωμεν, ότι ηυδόκησε σαρκί, ανελθείν εν τώ σταυρώ, καί θάνατον υπομείναι, καί εγείραι τούς τεθνεώτας, εν τή ενδόξω Αναστάσει αυτού. Apolytikion for Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Kontakion O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. - Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp ,403. 4th Century APRIL 17 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9 BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. GOSPEL READING John 12:1-18 Palm Sunday Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not (Continued on page 5)

5 The Cross+Roads Page 5 (Continued from page 4) that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Palm Sunday On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.the branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved. Icon Courtesy of Athanasios Clark Symeon the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Persia This Martyr was Bishop of the royal cities Seleucia and Ctesiphon in Persia. As the number of Christians increased in Persia, building churches and appointing clergy, the Magi, guardians of the Persian religion, and the Jews, who also envied them, accused Symeon to Sapor II, King of Persia, saying that Symeon was a friend of the Roman Emperor and his spy. Then began Sapor's persecution of the Christians of Persia, about the year 343. The Magi together with the Jews destroyed the churches. Saint Symeon was brought before Sapor, and, refusing to worship the sun, was imprisoned. On Holy and Great Friday of that year, Saint Symeon was brought out of prison with a hundred others, bishops, priests, and deacons. As each was taken to be slain, Saint Symeon exhorted him to be of good courage; he was slain last of all. It is said that 1,150 Martyrs were slain; an innumerable multitude of Christians were slain throughout Persia during this persecution, among them Saints Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aethalas (see Nov. 3). Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved. Makarios, Bishop of Corinth Agapetos of Rome APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Apolytikion for Palm Sunday O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. " - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Apolytikion for Palm Sunday O Christ, Our God, we have been Buried with You through Baptism, and by Your Resurrection made worthy of Life immortal. Praising You, we cry out, "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Kontakion In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam." - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p th Century APRIL 24 EPISTLE READING Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8 IN THE FIRST BOOK, O Theophilos, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he charged them not to (Continued on page 6)

6 The Cross+Roads Page 6 A PRIL SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN (Continued from page 5) depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me, for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom of lsrael?" He said to them, "it is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." GOSPEL READING John 1:1-17 Great and Holy Pascha In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.'") And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Great and Holy Pascha Mary Magdalene, and the other women who were present at the burial of our Saviour on Friday evening, returned from Golgotha to the city and prepared fragrant spices and myrrh, so that they might anoint the body of Jesus. On the morrow, because of the law which forbids work on the day of the Sabbath, they rested for the whole day. But at early dawn on the Sunday that followed, almost thirty-six hours since the death of the Life-giving Redeemer, they came to the sepulchre with the spices to anoint His body. While they were considering the difficulty of rolling away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, there was a fearful earthquake; and an Angel, whose countenance shone like lightning and whose garment was white as snow, rolled away the stone and sat upon it. The guards that were there became as dead from fear and took to flight. The women, however, went into the sepulchre, but did not find the Lord's body. Instead, they saw two other Angels in the form of youths clothed in white, who told them that the Saviour was risen, and they sent forth the women, who ran to proclaim to the disciples these gladsome tidings. Then Peter and John arrived, having learned from Mary Magdalene what had come to pass, and when they entered the tomb, they found only the winding sheets. Therefore, they returned again to the city with joy, as heralds now of the supernatural Resurrection of Christ, Who in truth was seen alive by the disciples on this day on five occasions.our Lord, then, was crucified, died, and was buried on Friday, before the setting of the sun, which was the first of His "three days" in the grave; observing the mystical Sabbath, that "seventh day" in which it is said that the Lord "rested from all His works" (Gen. 2:2-3), He passed all of Saturday in the grave; and He arose "while it was yet dark, very early in the morning" on Sunday, the third day, which, according to the Hebrew reckoning, began after sunset on Saturday.As we celebrate today this joyous Resurrection, we greet and embrace one another in Christ, thereby demonstrating our Saviour's victory over death and corruption, and the destruction of our ancient enmity with God, and His reconciliation toward us, and our inheritance of life everlasting. The feast itself is called Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew word which means "passover"; because Christ, Who suffered and arose, has made us to pass over from the curse of Adam and slavery to the devil and death unto our primal freedom and blessedness. In addition, this day of this particular week, which is the first of all the rest, is dedicated to the honour of the Lord; in honour and remembrance of the Resurrection, the Apostles transferred to this day the rest from labour that was formerly assigned to the Sabbath of the ancient Law.All foods allowed during Renewal Week. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Icon Courtesy of Athanasios Clark Elizabeth the Wonderworker Saint Elizabeth was born in Heraclea of Thrace. She lived in virginity and exhausted herself with ascetical labours and every kind of hardship from the time of her youth, and was deemed worthy of the grace of wonderworking from God; she reposed in peace in Constantinople in the middle of the fifth century. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Savvas the General of Rome APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Apolytikion for Great and Holy Pascha Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by (Continued on page 7)

7 The Cross+Roads Page 7 (Continued from page 6) death, and bestowing life on those in the graves. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος Apolytikion for Great and Holy Pascha When they who were with Mary came, anticipating the dawn, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, they heard from the Angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as though He were mortal man, Him Who abideth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen, and hath put death to death. For He is the Son of God, Who saveth the race of men. - Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Kontakion Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose The next meeting of the Missions Ministry will be held on Wednesday, April 27, at 7 PM in the Hellenic Center. Anyone interested in serving this ministry is welcome. WEED AND SEED PROJECT: You are invited to roll up your sleeves and give back to your local community! We are partnering with the Weed & Seed program on May 7 th, 2011 to help beautify the Southeast Community of Newport News. We will be providing basic lawn care and simple home repairs to residents in need. Many of these residents are disabled or elderly and unable to do these things themselves. I have personally volunteered with this organization before and can tell you how valuable this service is. Last year, I painted a porch for a gentleman who was a Veteran and had both legs amputated. I will always remember the smile on his face as I left. And it made me smile. Because something so simple can make such a big difference to someone else. Please consider joining us in helping out our the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS...'the light' already 'shines in the darkness' (Jn. 1:5), both by day and by night, both within and without - within in our hearts (II Cor. 6:16), without in our minds. It shines on us without evening, without change, without alteration, without form. It speaks, works, lives, gives life, and changes into light those whom it illuminates. We bear witness that 'God is light' (I Jn. 1:5) and those to whom it has been granted to see Him have all beheld Him as light, because the light of His glory goes before Him, and it is impossible for Him to appear without light. Those who have not seen His light have not seen Him, for He is the Light, and those who have not received the Light have not yet received grace. M ISSIONS MINISTRY Those who have received grace have received the Light of God and have received God, even as Christ Himself, who is the Light, has said, 'I will live in them and move among them' (II Cor. 6:16)., St. Symeon the New Theologian, Discourses: XXVIII sect. 4, Paulist Press pg. 298, 11th century. Now this is a proof that Christ is God the Word, and the Power of God. For whereas human things cease, and the Word of Christ abides, it is clear to all eyes that what ceases is temporary, but that He Who abides is God, and the true Son of God, His only-begotten Word. St. Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation 55, 4th Century He is also called Wisdom, as the Knowledge of things divine and human. For how is it possible that He Who made all things should be ignorant of the reasons of what He has made? St. Gregory the Theologian, Fourth Theological Oration, 4th Century community. It s a great time to come together with our fellow parishioners and do something good. We will meet for breakfast at 6:30am and then head out to our site. We begin working at 8 am and finish roughly around 12 pm on Saturday, May 7 th, We all want to sleep late on Saturdays, but when you see the gratitude on the faces of people you ve helped you won t regret it! If you have any questions or would like to sign up to volunteer, please contact Elizabeth Puckett by at nurs4lyfe@yahoo.com or call {757} We would like to have a final count of volunteers to the Weed & Seed program by Friday April 29 th, Thank You & God Bless, Elizabeth Puckett PORT HOMELESS SHELTER Our church helped feed the homeless at Noland Memorial United Methodist Church at 5501 Huntington Avenue in Newport News on March 6-7. Thanks to Zena Mageras and Barney Barnes and all volunteers who participated in helping us serve the homeless. T HROUGH THE BIBLE A Z Pray with joy in all your prayers for all the Lord s saints Philippians 1:4 Pray without ceasing & in all give thanks for it is the will of God 1 Thess. 5:17 Prayed for by Jesus so your faith will not fail, when you are converted strengthen your brethren Luke 22:32 Prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick James 5:15 Prayers as incense before the Lord Psalm 141:2 Prayers not turned away by the Lord Psalm 66:20Prayers of the saints as bowls full of incense Revelation 5:8 Preach Christ crucified 1 Cor. 1:23 Preach Christ out of love Philippians 1:15,16 Preach not yourself but Christ Jesus as Lord and yourself as a bondservant for Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4:5 Preach that men should repent Mark 6:12

8 The Cross+Roads Page 8 C HURCH REGISTRY / ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTHS: Our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Anastasia & Jay Krisik on the birth of their twins on March 23. Proud maternal grandmother Mary Graham. Na sas zisoun!!!! 40-DAY BLESSING: The infant son of Athena & Marinos Kokolis received his 40-day blessing in our Church on March 20. May the blessings of our Church be with the newly-churched infant and his entire family. BAPTISM: The infant daughter of Irene & Antonios Sarantakos was baptized in our Church on March 5 and given the name Aphrodite Kallliope by her godparents Jenny & Bobby Lappas. We wish the best to the newly-baptized infant and our sincere congratulations to her parents, godparents and her entire family. Na sas zisi!!!!!!! RECENTLY ILL: We wish a speedy recovery to our friends and fellow parishioners who have been recently ill and/ or hospitalized: Mike Kokolis, Van Polyson, Eli Papas and Steve Athas. Kali sas anarrosi!!!!!!! DEATHS: Our sincere condolences to the family of Phoebe Campbell whose sister, Fryni Russis- McCreary, died in Huntsville, Alabama on March 16. Our sincere condolences to the family of Angie Kilopoulos, whose mother Kiriakoula Tselekos died in Greece. May their memory be eternal!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations go out to Angela Dennie! Angela was selected as the representative for Grafton High School for the Hugh O 'Brian Leadership award. She will join thousands of students across the US at various locations in May for leadership seminars. Angela was also selected as one of 10 students to represent York County in the Zweibrucken Foriegn Exchange Program. Angela will host a German student in April and will then travel to Germany in June, all expenses paid by York County School Division and the Historical Society. Angela is the daughter of Joe and Helen Dennie, the granddaughter of George and Zoe Marcopoulos, and the goddaughter of Sophia Becouvarakis. REFRESHMENTS: We thank all those parishioners who served as hosts for the month of March. The hosts for April are: April 3: M/M George Ikonomou, M/M Socrates Ikonomou, Mr. Stelios Ikonomou April 10: Ms. Penelope Irwin, M/M George Janko, M/M Christopher Jansen, M/M James Jobson April 17: M/M Jonathan Jerke, M/M Jimmy Kaligos, M/M Steve Kamsuik, Mrs. Helen Kanelos. April 24: HOLY PASCHA Pascha Meal following Anastasi: The Parish Council will host a meal following the Anastasi service on Holy Saturday - all are welcome to join us after the divine liturgy in the Hellenic Center - Traditional Mageritsa and Avgolemono Soups will be served. ATTENDANCE March March March March March 11 Ave 217 March 10 Ave 247 YTD 11 Ave 203 YTD 10 Ave 188 FINANCIAL YTD AT 2/38/2011 Revenues Stewardship $32,747 Candles & Trays 4,582 Donations 3,111 Festival 0 Hellenic Center 500 Other 11,464 Total $52,404 Expenses Employees $44,716 GOA Fair Share 12,000 Church Life 2,766 Maintenance 6,235 Financial 5,918 Miscellaneous 14,175 Fund Raising 0 Supplies 10,652 Utilities 19,881 Total $116,883 Operating Income $(64,479) Depreciation 6,000 Net income $(70,479) Sunday of Orthodoxy. Greek School Greek Independence Day. St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE Please information no later than the 20th day of the month to Nick Vlattas nvlattas@hewv.com

9 The Cross+Roads Page 9 C LUB AND COMMUNITY NEWS PHILOPTOCHOS: Our next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 4 with refreshments beginning at 6:30pm to be followed by the business meeting at 7:00pm. Hosting this meeting will be Elaine Jansen & Georgia Kypriandes. We will hold elections at our May meeting which will be held on Monday, May 2. Tsourekia Baking begins on Tuesday, April 5 and continues on to April 6 &7. Ladies of the Philoptochos: Please, be there to help with the baking. To our patrons: Please, make sure your orders are put in by April 3 and picked up no later than April 10. The cost per tsoureki is $8.00. The Philoptochos will be hosting its annual Palm Sunday Luncheon on April 17, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Our excellent chefs are already planning a delicious menu, so we hope to see all our parishioners there. We promise you a great meal and wonderful fellowship. We thank you so very much for supporting us in our fund-raising efforts. Without your support, we would not be able to help those who need our help. Our charitable commitments for the month of April are: A contribution to the Sisterhood of Saint Basil Academy which provides for the physical needs of the children of the Academy as well as graduation costs, awards and gifts. A contribution to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) which provides food, shelter and economic self sufficiency to those in need. THE LADIES OF THE SAINT HELEN CHAPTER OF THE PHILOP- TOCHOS WISH TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FELLOW PARISHIONERS. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The Daughters of Penelope in partnership with the Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society donated platters of Baklava and the HWPS Cookbook to the silent auction for the Habitat for Humanity Raise the Roof fundraiser held on March 8 th at the Ferguson Center. The event was very successful and the auction items were high in demand. In addition, Daughters member, Athena Savvas donated a beautiful scarf to the auction as well on behalf of the Daughters. Thank you to Athena Savvas for her donation and to Athena Markos & Olympia Plethos for preparing the baklava. For the eleventh year, the Daughters will be participating in the International Children s Festival on Saturday, April 16 th in Hampton, at Mill Point Park. Our craft this year will be Olympic Wreaths and Olympic Torches. This is a wonderful event for children of all ages. It is not only a lot of fun for the children, but also educational and a great opportunity for us to highlight our Hellenic culture. In addition, it is a great public relations opportunity for our organization. Our Chapter, along with our brother AHEPANS, continues to plan for our District Convention which will be held May 20 to 22. On Friday, May 20, we will have a meet and greet event in which the Daughters are invited to attend. We will be going shopping in City Center, and several of the stores have agreed to host a shopping party for us. We will meet at the Marriot at 1:30. We will also have a wonderful reception at the Mariner s Museum on Friday night which will include a tour of the entire Museum with heavy hors d oeuvres, beer and wine. The Great Banquet will be held on Saturday night in the Sacalis Hall. Please, consider supporting our AHEPA FAMILY by attending these events. Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 28, with dinner starting at 6:45pm and the business meeting beginning at 7:30 pm. KALO PASCHA, EVERYONE. HELLENIC WOMAN S PENELOPE SOCIETY The April meeting of the Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society will be held on Thursday April 7 th at 6:30 p.m. at the Hellenic Community Center. Mrs. Athena Savvas will serve as hostess. A representative from the Newport News Sheriff s Office will speak on Senior Programs. The Book Discussion Group will meet on Monday, April 11 th at the home of Marika Anthony to discuss The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini. On March 24 th members of the Book Discussion Group will travel to Norfolk to hear Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Mr. Mortenson will appear at the Ted Constant Convocation Center at Old Dominion University as part of the Marc and Connie Jacobson Humanitarian Lecture Series. The 12 th Annual Dinner Theater was once again a huge success. The shared comment we heard from our patrons was outstanding. Sincere appreciation is extended to the following members for their hard work: General Chairman: Marika Anthony; Co- Chairman: Maggie Thompson; Food Preparation Committee: Tessie Dakis (Chair), Catherine Yeapanis (Co-Chair), Alike Asime, Angie Karatsikis, Anna Mageras,Cleo Pillegi and Kathy Vretos; Decorations: Frances Polizos (Chair), Kiki Canavos, Matina Mimikos,Pauline Schlim, Maggie Thompson, and Athena Savvas; Wine and Hors d Oeuvres Reception: Tasia Savrides (Chair), Athena Savvas; Wine Servers: Mark Thompson, chair, Maggie Thompson, Alex Michalos, Wilson Hawk ; Pastry Preparation: Marika Anthony, Aliki Asime, Tessie Dakis, Anna Mageras, Zena Mageras, Athena Markos, Olympia Plethos, Helen Vaughn ; Souvenir Program: Maggie Thompson; Publicity: Marika Anthony; Table Setting: Tessie Dakis (Chair), Matina Mimikos, Pauline Schlim, and Maggie Thompson. Tickets/ Reservations: Marika Anthony; IBM Student Servers Coordinator: Zena Mageras; Intermission/Refreshments Coordinator: Christine Mignogna; Comptroller: Maggie Thompson. Sincere appreciation is also extended to the below listed members for graciously donating the following: Wine and Hors d Oeuvres: Kiki Canavos, Tessie Dakis, Anna Mageras, Zena Mageras, Tasia Savrides, Helen Siokis, Helen Vaughn, and Katherine Yeapanis. Greek Pastries: Marika Anthony; Tessie Dakis, Athena Markos, Olympia Plethos; Dessert: Marika Anthony. The Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society extends its sincerest appreciation to Mrs. Angie Karatsikis for assisting with the preparation of the food; Mr. Mark Thompson, chair, Mr. Alex Michalos and Dr. Wilson Hawk for their assistance in serving the wine; Mr. Chris Stephanitsis of Norfolk for donating the coffee; Ms. Michelle Cihak, International Baccalaureate coordinator at York High School; the International Baccalaureate students from York High School for volunteering to serve the meal; Anderson s Home & Garden Showplace for donating the beautiful flower arrangement for the hors d oeuvres table. Our annual Spring Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, April 17 th from 10:00 AM 2:00 PM at the Hellenic Center. All proceeds will benefit the Father Peter and Gregory Makris Scholarship Fund. We urge those interested in purchasing Greek pastries to place an advanced order as we always run short of pastries on the day of the bake sale. Please call Marika Anthony at to place your order. A reminder to those high school graduates who are interested in applying for the Father Peter and Gregory Makris scholarship to contact our scholarship committee chairman Maria Vidakis at

10 The Cross+Roads Page 10 HELLENIC YOUTH DANCERS CELEBRATING TWENTY YEARS Our Hellenic Youth Dancers celebrated twenty years of excellence in Greek dancing with a weekend full of workshops and an Apokriatiko Glendi on Saturday, March 6th. Enjoy the pictures! Our dancers will next be performing on Saturday, April 16th at the Hampton International Children s Festival! I+I YOUTH CORNER I+I Everyone is invited! SATURDAY OF LAZARUS Saturday, April 16th, 2011, 9am Teaching Liturgy Myrophores Practice Breakfast Making of the Palms Photos courtesy of Hazel Bruce, Lea Holbrook, and Maria Mantis Fr. George will be leading us in the celebration of a special teaching Divine Liturgy on Saturday, April 16th. The altar will be moved down to the solea so we can see more of what is going on, and Fr. George will be stopping at key points to explain parts of the Liturgy. You won t want to miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about this service of the Orthodox Church. Liturgy will be followed by a breakfast and the annual making of the palm crosses for Palm Sunday, April 17th. Please come join us and help! Immediately following the teaching Liturgy, we will also be having a brief practice for our Myrophores for young ladies in Kindergarten through 6th Grade who will serve on Holy Friday. The Myrophores, or myrrh-bearers, are the women who went to anoint Christ s body at the tomb after His crucifixion; our young ladies will be using flower petals. In order to serve with the Myrophores, you must be present at the practice on Saturday, April 16th and be present on Great and Holy Friday, beginning at 6:30pm, on April 22nd. Also required are a white dress, white sweater, white tights, and white shoes. These do not need to be worn to the practice. Any young lady interested in serving should talk to Lea Holbrook or Christina Thames for more information. GOYA Meeting ~ Wednesday, April 27th ~6:30pm Nominations for Officers Goyans before the dance at St. Nicholas in Baltimore, MD

11 The Cross+Roads Page 11 I+I YOUTH CORNER I+I The regional GOYA Lenten Retreat took place March at Camp Piankatank. 49 young people (17 from our parish) enjoyed a weekend of growing together in fellowship and faith. We were blessed by the presence of two seminarians, Cassandra Garibaldi from Hellenic College, and Steven Christoforou from Holy Cross, who were the retreatmasters and led sessions centered around the theme Perfectly One.

12 The Cross+Roads Page STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY UPDATE (Continued from page 1) this important part of our stewardship ministry, and every one will be visited. We will change the focus of how we view our stewardship commitment forms by placing more emphasis on the backside of the form, the commitment of time and talent. We will develop a planned giving program this year by contacting those individuals who indicated an interest in legacy giving on their 2011 annual stewardship commitment forms. We had 19 members indicate an interest in legacy giving now or in the future, and I m sure there are others that might be interested. To assist with that we are working on scheduling planned giving seminars (tentatively planned for early- to mid-may and in the Fall), and conduct wider mailing, articles, and an information tri-fold. Implementing a true Stewardship Ministry won t be easy. Think about the lesson many of us were taught by our parents, success in life won t be handed to you on a silver platter you have to earn it. Our success will be earned and measured by results, such as all our faithful becoming active participants in the overall life and ministries of the Church. And if we want to know the right azimuth to follow, just read our Church s Mission Statement (it s on the back page of The Cross+Roads ). If we can accomplish that mission, then we will be well on our way to success. There is so much more to do. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I love our church and faith I know everyone of you do too. I invite each of you to join with us as we move Stewardship Ministry forward in our community. Barry Hendricks Stewardship Ministry 142 Thank You s! The Parish Council and Stewardship Ministry Team thanks the following parishioners and parishioner families for submitting their annual Stewardship pledge for 2011 (as of March 20, 2011). We respectfully and prayerfully request that all participants in the life of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church submit their sacrificial gift commitments at their earliest convenience. If you feel there is an error in the listing below, please contact the Church Office. George & Jacquelyn Anas Mary Anas Nick & Dottie Andre Peter & Connie Antinopoulos Alike Asime James Bailey Andrew & Tessie Baker Barney and Georgia Barnes Gregory & Marina Becouvarakis Dean & Mary Ann BeLer Greg Bicouvaris Renee Brown Olen and Hazel Bruce John & Phoebe Campbell Charles & Beth Campbell Sam & Angelike Canavos Pete & Margaret Carter Michael & Melissa Chalkias David & Alexis Chappell Fr. George & Presv. Flora Chioros John Christou Irene Christou Ellie Costulis John & Phyllis Costulis Peter & Beverly Daikos John & Tessie Dakis Kaliope Deligan Bill Deligan Joe & Helen Dennie John Dermanis Fr. Nicholas and Presv. Moscha Despotides Kurt & Paula Detweiler Elias & Zoe Doulgerakis Sonja Eaton Faye Evans Ted & Jo Ellen Fotiou Harry & Zoe Fotiou Teddy Fotiou Stavroula Gailey Theo & Alexis Galoozis Haralambos & Aleksandra Garofalis Alvin & Alexa Garrison Anastasius & Mary Georgalas Chris George Helen George Bill & Christine Georges Tom & Ourania Georges Angela Vallas Gionis Anatol Grynewytsch Jesse & Evangelia Hanline Katherine Haramis Roger & Dina Headrick Barry & Ruth Hendricks Phillip and Monica Hicks Joan Hill Jason and Lea Holbrook Penelope Irwin Christopher and Elaine Jansen Helen Kanelos Johnny & Rebecca Karatsikis Angelike Karatsikis Brian and Cynthia Killough Daniel Kocic Michael and Suzanne Kokorelis John and Sheree Konstantinou James Koumbaries Angela Kritikos Polydefkis and Georgia Kypriandes Bobby & Jennifer Lappas Anna Mageras Zena Mageras John & Debbie Malliarakis Eva Malliarakis Julia Malliarakis Nick Malliarakis George and Zoe Marcopoulos Pete and Athena Markos George Markos Mickey Markos Nick and Kathy Matthews Sylvia Matthews James and Argie Maurakis Loula Maurakis William & Joanna McDearmon Dennis and Patsy Meliagros Alex & Joannie Michalos John & Mary Michos Richard & Jette Mikita Matina Mimikos RaNetta Mitchum Maria Mitchum Mitchell & Alexandra Moore Jeanette Orlino Katherine Orphanidys Priscilla Outland John & Marianthe Palantzas Tike Panags Voula Panags Thomas Pantelides Elizabeth Papas Arthur Parrous Alexander Pasquier Evan & Katherine Patrinely Mary Paul Kent & Georgene Paumier John Pawluk Leonard & Cleo Pileggi Mary Pitsilides Petra Radulovic Bill & Georgianna Ringas Sophia Romano Scott and Renee' Root John and Patrice Sadler John and Agnes Samos Harry and Zelma Samos Marinos and Kristen Sarantakos Anastasia Savrides Pauline Schlim Ioannis Siokis Douglas Smith Stephan Stephan Pete and Dianne Sun Michael Sun Christina Thames Angelo and Nia Theodorogiannis Nicholas and Margaret Theodosakis John and Joanne Thomas Sotos and Panayiota Tofalli Mike & Frances Tsimplekis George and Julie Tsirimokos Joanna Vallas Constantinos & Ellen Velissarios Bobby and Maria Vidakis Nicholas and Barbara Vlattas Nick and Voula Vretakis Mitch and Sandra Walker Timothy and Alexia Warner James and Victoria Woodbury Katherine Yeapanis Chris and Hope Zambas George and Angie Zambas Vassilios and Katie Zisopoulos 2011 Youth Stewardship Program When parents completed the youth registration forms at the beginning of this current Ecclesiastical Year there was an option for them to request pledge envelopes for their children to contribute their gifts of treasure to the Church. The 37 names below are those young people who received pledge envelopes for As we further develop our Stewardship Ministry, our children and youth will have the opportunity, at the same time as their parents, to fill-out their own stewardship commitment forms to pledge their time, talents, and treasures to Christ and His Church. If your child or youth isn t listed and you would like to receive pledge envelopes for them, please contact our Director of Youth Ministries, Christina Thames. Alexis Campbell Alora-Dannon Chappell Dean Chioros Anna Coghill Helen Costulis John David Costulis Alex Podyachev Christian Detweiler Ethan Detweiler Dora Gouletas Fofi Gouletas Anna Paisley Gray Johnny Gray Phoebe Gray Hayden Hendricks Daniel Hicks Samuel Hicks Lauren Holbrook Sydney Holbrook Eleni Koliopoulos Christos Konstantinou Dimitri Konstantinou Collin Patrinely Eleanor Patrinely Dean Peri Dominic Peri Giovanna Peri Brandon Pingley Samantha Pingley Ian Sadler Jack Sadler Kalani Schadow James St. Martin Nicholette St. Martin Alex Swanenburg Matthew Swanenburg Christina Tsoucalas

13 The Cross+Roads Page 13

14 The Cross+Roads Page 14 P ARISH COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 21, 2011 The meeting convened at 7:00 PM by John Dermanis with the opening prayer by Father George Chioros. The following items were discussed and action items are shown in bold script. Present: Father George Chioros, John Dermanis, Theo Galoozis, Kent Paumier, Michael Chalkias, Bobby Vidakis, John Christou, Bobby Garofalis, Jason Holbrook, John Malliarakis, Pete Sun, Anastasia Theodorogiannis Guests/Visitors: Andy Baker & Christine Mignogna Minutes: Bobby Vidakis motion to approve 17 Jan 11 meeting minutes; Seconded by Theo Galoozis, Passed unanimously Correspondence: Letter from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, P. Arbes, Finance Comm ittee Chair, dated 8 Feb 11, Appeals for the 2011 Fair Share Amount must be made by 4 Mar 11 or a request for extension filed by 4 Apr 11. Thank you letter from ST. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, P.M. Hillier, Director, dated 9 Feb 11 for our $50.00 donation. Thank you from the GOYA for the council purchasing an add for the GOYA 2010 Basketball Tournament Album. Thank you from Mary Graham for Father Makris s One Year Memorial and luncheon. Thank you from Bob Makris and Family for Father Makris s One Year Memorial and luncheon. Treasurer s Report: By Michael Chalkias attached with minutes Committee Reports Stewardship: Youth: By Christina Thames attached with minutes House / Education: By John Dermanis recent and upcoming events. 5 Feb 11 - The Renascence Festival 12 Feb 11 Cretan Dance 26 Feb 11 HWPS Dinner Theater 5 Mar 11 Apokriatiko Glendi 8 Mar 11 Out Reach Program Invisible Children, 7 p.m. at the Hellenic Center 24 Mar 11 Boys & Girls Club dinner 5-12 May 11 Newport News Schools rental for testing Maintenance / Building / Security / Audio: Bobby Vidakis - We need to replace the thermostats in the Hellenic Center with either digital for $ or a programmable for $ The costs are estimated. The programmable type will limit control access, help in reducing heating and cooling costs. Action - Vidakis provide cost and requirements for the thermostats for next meeting. Finance & Investment: By Jason Holbrook We have no money at this time to invest. Pete Sun recommended a sliding type scale that was part of the Strategic Plan objectives. Allocate the lesser of the following amounts from the Festival income each year to a Parish Council Past President David Gray was recognized for his service at the Parish Assembly held on March 6 Capital Improvements Fund: 25% or income in excess of budget projection with the remainder going to the General Operating fund of the Church. Action Sun to present revised objective at Parish Assembly Meeting 6 Mar 11. Festival: Next meeting 2 Mar 11 at 6:30 PM in the AHEPA Hall. Missions: By Nick Vlattas via , attached to minutes We would like to ask the Parish Council to approve the following motion in support of our efforts to sponsor a speaker from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center: MOTION: Contingent upon the approval of the 2011 budget by the Parish Assembly on March 6 and contingent upon the Mission Committee s ability to coordinate logistics, be it resolved that the Parish Council approve the allocation of a charitable contribution of $3000 from the $25,000 budget to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for the purposes of a Missions Support Raising Trip. Theo Galoozis motion to approve Missions Committee as stated above. Seconded by Pete Sun; motion passed unanimously. Personnel / By Laws: By Theo Galoozis The employee s heath insurance provider has been contacted and insurance will end on 1 Apr 11. Audit: By Mike Chalkis John Samos and Christine St. Martin will have everything pulled together to finish the 2010 audit before the Parish Assembly 6 Mar 11. We will need to find replacement for Mike since for the committee since he is now on serving on the Parish Council. Library: Stavroula Gaily will be starting soon. Grounds: The three No Trespassing signs have been donated by Christine Mignogna. Thank You Christina and Al for the donation and installation of the signs. Priest s Report: By Father George Ushering - We need to be ready for the collections after communion. Also no candles should be brought up to the Solea during the Epistle Reading. 6 Mar 11 Parish Assembly we need to get people to this important meeting. Lent begins 7 Mar 11. The Church Web Site Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church has been updated by Brian Killough. Unfinished Business: 5 Mar 11, Saturday Stewardship Work Shop, 12Noon-5:00Pm, AHEPA Hall. Please RSVP John Dermanis this week if you are attending. Solea Hand Rails Dermanis reported he has received only one bid at this time. Will report when the other two are received. New Business: Antonia Lazanza Memorial Scholarship Committee Pete Sun has volunteered to chair this one time $ scholarship made possible by Ms. Lazanza s generosity. Father George, Jason Holbrook and John Dermanis will also be on the committee. First order of business announce the scholarship and gets applications out. Adjournment: Father George closed with a prayer at 8:10 PM. Next meeting, 21 Mar 11 at 7:00 PM. Respectively Submitted, Kent Paumier, Secretary ACOLYTE SCHEDULE APRIL 3 Team B - Manoli Vidakis, Collin Patrinely, Dominic Peri, Ian Sadler, Hayden Hendricks, Michael Christou, Nicholaos Sarantakos APRIL 10 Team C - Dimitrios Konstantinou, Christos Konstantinou, Georgios Haramis, George Petrakos, Brandon Pingley, Ethan Detweiler, Anastasios Dallis, Yianni Prassas APRIL 17 Team A - Dean Chioros, Kostas Polyzos, Jorgie Polyzos, Christian Detweiler, George Dallis, Joseph Dennie, Yianni Tsimplekis

15 The Cross+Roads Page 15 APRIL 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 7:00pm Salutations to The Theotokos 3 Sunday of St. John Climacus 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Baptism 4 6:00pm Compline 6:30pm Philoptochos Mtg. 5 HYD 6 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy 7:30pm Choir Basketball 7 6:00pm HWPS Meeting 8 7:00pm Akathist Hymn 9 10 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 2 year memorial Aristides Mavroydis 3 year Memorial Christodoulos Gouletas 11 10:30am Golden Hearts Mtg. 6:00pm Compline 7:00pm Parish Council Mtg. 12 HYD 13 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy 7:30pm Choir Basketball :00am Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy -Children s Breakfast -Palm Making -Myrophores Practice 17 Palm Sunday 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Philoptochos Luncheon 7:00pm 1st. Nymfios 18 Holy Monday 7:00pm 2nd Nymfios 19 Holy Tuesday 7:00pm 3rd Nymfios 20 Holy Wednesday 10:00am Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm Holy Unction 21 Holy Thursday 7:00am Liturgy 7:00pm Holy Passions,Twelve Gospels, Procession of the Holy Cross 22 Holy Friday 9:00am Great Hours 3:00pm Vespers of The Unnailing from Holy Cross 7:00pm Procession of the Epitafio 23 Holy Saturday 8:00am Liturgy 11:00pm The Resurrection 24 Great and Holy Pascha 11:00am Agape Vespers Easter egg hunt 25 St. George 10:00am Liturgy 26 Festival prep HYD 27 Festival prep Basketball GOYA General Meeting 7:00 Missions Committee 28 Festival prep 6:45pm Ahepa/Dop 29 Festival prep 10:00am Liturgy Zoodochos Peghe 30 Baptism

16 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Return Address Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 50 Newport News Virginia C OME WORSHIP THE GLORY OF GOD Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. Matins 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 11:15 a.m. Religious Education (Sep-May) 11:30 a.m. Christian Fellowship (Hellenic Center) Phone (757) Fax (757) Mission Statement The mission of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, Virginia is to keep, practice, and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith. The work and ministry of our Parish will include proclaiming the Gospel, sanctifying the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments, and enhancing their spiritual life. We will fulfill the great commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by inviting others into the Church through Baptism and/or Chrismation, educating them in the Orthodox Faith through the establishment of programs, schools and philanthropic activities, and implementing Christian ministries.